Quezon City gets perfect score for anti-drug drive

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government was recently recognized as one of the most effective nationwide in addressing the problem of illegal drugs.

The city’s Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC), headed by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, was among the 21 local government units (LGUs) that obtained a perfect functionality score in the recently held National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Awards organized by the Department of  the Interior and Local Government.

“I am very proud that we are, once again, recognized as one of the best ADACs among all LGUs nationwide. It’s because we have the most effective working framework and the political will to implement programs to lessen the city’s drug problem,” said Belmonte.

“We have almost 27,000 drug surrenderees and in December last year, we were able to produce 560 graduates of our community-based drug rehabilitation program,” she added.

She also noted that 23 of the city’s 144 barangays have been declared drug-free. She attributed this to community participation in the efforts to combat illegal drugs.

“The youth of our city continues to engage in our anti-illegal drugs campaign. It just shows that the city government and our people are working harmoniously because all of us want a drug-free city. This is the result of our collaborative effort,” said the vice mayor.

Since 2016, Belmonte initiated various programs in line with President Duterte’s commitment to eradicate the drug problem.

Among the programs initiated in Quezon City include the Barkada Kontra Droga program, wherein youth members are encouraged to join campaigns that counter the effects of illegal drug abuse. 

Barangay anti-drug abuse councils were also established to works hand-in-hand with the ADAC and the Quezon City Police District in conducting barangay drug-clearing operations.